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Mathematics Support Centres are available in the majority of Higher Education Institutions in Ireland and the UK. Whilst the online presence of these centres appears to be increasing, there is little research to date which considers its breadth or effectiveness. In this paper we consider the results of a survey on the online presence of support centres in Ireland and the UK. We discuss the opportunities that arise from such a presence, the challenges that exist and what the results of the survey mean for individual practitioners and the wider mathematics support community.

This article focuses on how the representational properties of manipulatives affect the strategies children employ in problem solving. Two studies examined the effect of physical materials on 4-7-year-old children's problem solving strategies in a numerical (i.e., additive composition) task. The first study showed how children not only identified more solutions using physical materials compared with no materials, but that using manipulatives fostered conceptually more developed strategies: relating consecutive solutions to each other systematically in exploring the space of permutations. The second study demonstrated the unique benefits of physical manipulation by comparing children's solutions and strategies using materials they could or could not spatially manipulate (i.e., physical versus pictorial). As with the first study, children using the physical materials had more solutions and showed more conceptually developed strategies compared with the children in the pictorial condition. There was no advantage in providing children with a record of all their solutions.

An analysis is presented of the experience and lessons learned of running a MOOC in introductory physical chemistry. The course was unique in allowing students to conduct experimental measurements using a virtual laboratory constructed using video and simulations. A breakdown of the student background and motivation for taking the course is presented, and the student feedback on the course is also provided. It is concluded that even practical based chemistry courses can be successfully delivered online and such courses have the potential to provide a valuable addition to campus based chemistry teaching at university level.

A central challenge for science educators is to enable young people to act as scientists by gathering and assessing evidence, conducting experiments, and engaging in informed debate. We report the design of the nQuire toolkit, a system to support scripted personal inquiry learning, and a study of its use with school students ages 11-14. This differs from previous work on inquiry learning by its emphasis on learners investigating topics of personal significance supported by a computer-based toolkit to guide school pupils through an entire inquiry process that connects structured learning in the classroom with discovery and data collection at home or outdoors. Findings from the studies indicate that the toolkit was successfully adopted by teachers and pupils in contexts that included teacher-directed lessons, an after-school club, field trips, and learner-managed homework. It effectively supported the transition between individual, group, and whole-class activities and supported learning across formal and informal settings. We discuss issues raised by the intervention studies, including how the combination of technology and pedagogy provided support for the teacher despite difficulties in managing the technology and integrating field data into a classroom lesson. We also discuss the difficulty of altering young people's attitudes to science.

In this paper, a novel approach to engaging students in personal inquiry learning is described, whereby they carry out scientific investigations that are personally meaningful and relevant to their everyday lives. The learners are supported by software that guides the inquiry process, extending from the classroom into the school grounds, home, or outdoors. We report on a case study of personal inquiry learning with 28 high school students on the topic of healthy eating. An analysis of how the personal inquiry was enacted in the classroom and at home, based on issues identified from a study of interviews with the students and their teacher, is provided. The outcomes showed that students were alerted to challenges associated with fieldwork and how they responded to the uncertainty and challenge of an open investigation. The study, moreover, raised an unexpected difficulty for researchers of finding the "sweet spot" between scientifically objective but unengaging inquiry topics, and ones that are personally meaningful but potentially embarrassing. Implications for further research are shaped around ways of overcoming this difficulty. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)

Examined links between theory-of-mind status among Singaporean and United Kingdom preschoolers and their social pretend play. Found that ratings by Singaporean and UK teachers yielded measures of facilitation, shared meaning, and thematic maintenance of interactive play. Rater nationality did not affect ranking patterns. Findings indicated a link between theory-of-mind ability and quality of social interaction. (Author/KB)

To examine current UK practice in diagnosis of patients under 65 with young onset dementia, within 5 years of date of diagnosis, identified from electronic health records of 8 NHS mental health trusts. Patients diagnosed with young onset dementia were assembled from the UK-Clinical Record Interactive System, (UK-CRIS) using diagnosis of dementia as the index date. A pre-designed proforma, derived by international Delphi consensus from experts in the field in previous work, was used to assess components of the diagnostic assessment in 402 electronic health records across 8 NHS sites. Information was extracted on key aspects of clinical and physical examination according to both a minimum and gold standard. Percentage compliance rates analysed by NHS site and statement, including compliance for site for minimum standard (11 statements), the additional 20 statements required for Gold standard, and the complete Gold standard set (31 statements) show that the additional 20 statements in the Gold standard had consistently higher compliance rates for every site compared to the minimum set. Findings confirmed variation in clinical practice and identified commonly missed items in examination and enquiry compared to expert consensus. This suggests that a template proforma, which contains the key indicators for comprehensive assessment of dementia in young adults according to a quality standard could help support clinicians to improve record keeping and reduce gaps in knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Including the 'voices' of people living with dementia in a meaningful way is pivotal in shaping local, national and international health and social dementia care research. The Alzheimer's Society (United Kingdom) funded Angela Project (2016–19) was aimed at improving the diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for younger people living with dementia. From the outset, the Project Team ensured that the knowledge and expertise of people living with a younger onset dementia was integral to all decisions taken in respect to overall project design, implementation, and dissemination processes. This was achieved by establishing two project public and patient involvement (PPI) forums; a London PPI Forum and a Bradford-based local PPI Hub. This paper describes how the two groups were formed; the format of the meetings; and the key points learnt by the Project Team from involving people with dementia in all aspects of developing and delivering the Angela Project. Ultimately, the aim is to demonstrate to other researchers in the dementia field how the perspectives of those with a diagnosis can be included in research studies in an active and meaningful way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduced inertia levels in low-carbon power grids necessitate explicit constraints to limit frequency’s nadir and rate of change during scheduling. This can result in significant curtailment of renewable energy due to the minimum generation of thermal plants that are needed to provide frequency response (FR) and inertia. Additional consideration of fast FR, a dynamically reduced largest loss and under frequency load shedding (UFLS) allows frequency security to be achieved more cost effectively. This paper derives a novel constraint from the swing equation to contain the frequency nadir using all of these services. The expected cost of UFLS is found probabilistically to facilitate its comparison to the other frequency services. We demonstrate that this constraint can be accurately and conservatively approximated for moderate UFLS levels with a second order cone (SOC), resulting in highly tractable convex problems. Case studies performed on a Great Britain 2030 system demonstrate that UFLS as an option to contain single plant outages can reduce annual operational costs by up to $\pounds $ 559 m, 52% of frequency security costs. The sensitivity of this value to wind penetration, abundance of alternative frequency services, UFLS amount and cost is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety, utilization, ability to reduce length of hospitalization and overall outcomes of a COVID-19 virtual ward providing ongoing treatment at home. Method: A retrospective single-center study of patients discharged to the COVID-19 virtual "step down" ward between January 27th 2021 and March 2nd 2021. The referral process, length of hospitalization, length of stay on the virtual ward, readmissions, and ongoing treatment requirements including supplemental oxygen, antibiotics, and/or steroids were all noted. Results: A total of 50 patients were referred to the virtual ward. 43 referrals were accepted, 39 of which were from the respiratory ward. Four patients were readmitted, all due to hypoxia. All readmissions occurred within 5 days of discharge. 72% (n = 31) were discharged home with an ongoing oxygen requirement. 14.3% of patients were discharged with antibiotics only, 9.5% with steroids only and 23.8% with both antibiotics and steroids. The mean length of hospital stay for patients discharged to the virtual ward was 10.3 ± 9.7 days and 11.9 ± 11.6 days for all covid positive patients during this time. On average, patients spent 13.7 ± 7.3 days on the virtual ward. The average number of days spent on oxygen on the virtual ward was 11.6 ± 6.0 days. Conclusion: The virtual ward model exemplifies the potential benefits of collaborative working between primary and secondary care services, relieving pressure on hospitals whilst providing ongoing treatments at home such as supplemental oxygen. It also facilitates an early supported discharge of clinically stable patients with an improving clinical trajectory by managing them in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant lack of evidence regarding optimum models for service provision in young onset dementia (YOD). Our study aim was to gather detailed information about services experienced as helpful by those with YOD and family carers. The objective was to identify the core features of these services to inform service design, delivery and improvements. A qualitative approach based on appreciative inquiry was used, posing open‐ended questions about services experienced as helpful, as part of a national UK survey of people with YOD and carers. We used inductive thematic analysis to analyse the free‐text responses. The resulting template was used as a basis for analysis of in‐depth follow‐up interviews, conducted to acquire greater in‐depth understanding. Two hundred and thirty‐three survey respondents provided 856 examples of helpful support. Twenty‐four follow‐up interviews were conducted (two with dyads, so 26 participants in total: 8 with people with YOD, 14 with carers, 2 with dyads). Twelve themes capturing the features of helpful services were clustered into three super‐ordinate themes. 'Person‐centredness' reflects micro levels of person–professional interaction (positive attitude, flexibility, collaborative, user‐friendly materials, and in‐person). 'Functional consistency' captures the meso level, demonstrating that services were helpful when organised consistently with needs (age‐appropriate, holistic, responsive, and accessible). 'Organisational coherence', at the macro level, emphasises the need for service integration, specialist services and service continuity. Key conclusions are that the needs for flexibility and a collaborative stance may be particularly important for those under 65 years with dementia, who have full lives and are used to being in control; to be age‐appropriate, helpful services need to provide activities and opportunities suitable for active middle‐aged people; and to be holistic, services need to provide for needs associated with rare dementias and be family‐centred. Specialist services need to be commissioned and arrangements need to be stable over time to enable continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to closure of the 16 UK dental schools and a shift to remote learning. The aim of this study was to explore the impact on the teaching and learning experiences of undergraduate dental students, including their clinical confidence and mental health. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to students enrolled at UK dental schools during the time of closure. Paired samples t-tests were employed to analyse the results. RESULTS: A total of 312 students responded to the survey. Eighty-five per cent felt that the university closure had a negative impact on their overall learning. Ninety-seven per cent thought their clinical skills would be affected; perceived confidence in treating patients decreased by 27%. The mental health of all respondents was negatively affected although their stress about their studies was not affected. Positive aspects of closure included remote learning and online examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic had both negative and positive impacts on dental students' education. Universities should adapt their response to future crises and incorporate the positive impacts in future curriculums. Further studies could explore the long-term impact on students' mental health and clinical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional requirements of adolescence and the reported poor UK eating behaviours of young people are a significant public health concern. Schools are recognised as an effective 'place' setting to enable improvement to nutrition outcomes. The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in UK school closures from March 2020. In re‐opening in September 2020, schools were required to meet guidelines to ensure the minimised impact of COVID‐19 on the population (DfE 2020). We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 school guidelines on secondary and post‐16 (16–18 years) food provision. An online survey was posted on 8th October to 1st December 2020, targeted at young people, parents and staff of secondary/post‐16 education establishments in the UK. Two hundred and fifty‐two responses were received, of which 91% reported a change in their school food provision, 77% reported time for lunch was shortened and 44% indicated the provision was perceived as less healthy during September 2020 (post‐lockdown school return) compared with March 2020 (pre‐lockdown). Analyses demonstrated that time, limited choice and healthiness impacted negatively upon young people's school food experience. The COVID‐19 pandemic has presented a huge challenge to the delivery of healthy school food to young people. Therefore, schools require more support in following national food standards and incorporating nutrition education and behaviour change strategies within current guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Young onset dementia is associated with distinctive support needs but existing research on service provision has been largely small scale and qualitative. Our objective was to explore service use, cost and satisfaction across the UK. Methods: Information about socio‐demographic characteristics, service use and satisfaction were gathered from people with young onset dementia (YOD) and/or a family member/supporter via a national survey. Results: Two hundred and thirty‐three responses were analysed. Diagnosis was most commonly received through a Memory Clinic or Neurology. The type of service delivering diagnosis impacted on post‐diagnostic care. Those diagnosed in specialist YOD services were more likely to receive support within the first 6 weeks and receive ongoing care in the service where they were diagnosed. Ongoing care management arrangements varied but generally care was lacking. Around 42% reported no follow‐up during 6‐weeks after diagnosis; over a third reported seeing no health professional within the previous 3 months; just over a third had a key worker and just under a third had a care plan. Satisfaction and quality of care were highest in specialist services. Almost 60% of family members spent over 5 h per day caring; median costs of health and social care, 3 months, 2018, were £394 (interquartile range £389 to 640). Conclusions: Variation across diagnostic and post‐diagnostic care pathways for YOD leads to disparate experiences, with specialist young onset services being associated with better continuity, quality and satisfaction. More specialist services are needed so all with YOD can access age‐appropriate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop guidance for clinicians about essential elements that can support clinical decision-making in the diagnostic workup of young onset dementia.Methods/design: Three iterations of a modified e-Delphi consensus survey comprising 23 international expert clinicians specialising in diagnosis of young onset dementia.Outcome Measures: A priori consensus was pre-defined as 80% of experts ranking statements in the upper threshold on a seven-point Likert scale that ranged from "not important at all" to "absolutely essential" to diagnosis.Results: 80% consensus was reached on 48 statements that were rated as "absolutely essential" or "very important" to a comprehensive assessment of dementia in a younger adult. In order to inform a subsequent audit of clinical records in which compliance with these statements was assessed, the statements were divided into a Minimum Standard, (consisting of the 15 statements voted by all experts as being "absolutely essential" or "very important") and a Gold Standard where 48 statements were voted by 80% of the experts as being "absolutely essential" or "very important". The experts' response rate across the three rounds was 91.3%.Conclusion: A Minimum Standard and Gold Standard have been created for the diagnostic workup of young onset dementia. The standards provide a clinically useful tool for decision-making, particularly for generalists and those with less experience in the field. The standards will be used to inform a UK case note audit of recently diagnosed patients with young onset dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the incidence and pattern of injury in patients with a diagnosis of a fall from a stairlift.Methods: Data was analysed from the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database from 2000 to 2018 for those recorded suffering stairlift related injuries between the ages of 40-100 years. Patient demographics, injury mechanism and pattern, mortality rate and height of fall were analysed.Results: 1069 patients were identified in the initial search with 651 having an eligible mechanism of injury. The mean age was 82 (range 41.4-100.1) years. The most common site of injury was the limbs (49.2%) with the most severe injuries to the head (mean AIS 3.1). The mean ISS was 12.5 (Range 1-75). There was no relationship between height of fall and ISS (rs 0.054 p = 0.4). Individuals were 78% more likely to have an ISS score of 15 or more if they had a head injury, (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.06-0.24) and 79% more likely to have sustained an injury to the thorax (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.11-0.41). Injury to the head was 95% more likely in individuals with an ISS score greater than 25 points or more (OR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.16) and 69% more likely for those who sustain injury to the thorax. Individuals with an ISS score of 25 points or more were 18 times more likely to have sustained injury getting off their stair lift compared to any other method of falling from their stair lift. Mortality was associated with injuries to the thorax in those aged 70 years or below, injuries to the face, spine and limb for those aged 71-85 years and with head injury in those over 85 years. The overall mortality rate was 15.7%.Conclusion: Falls from stairlifts commonly result in limb injuries and most severe injuries are sustained to the head. When patients fall getting off from astairlift, have injuries to their head or thorax they have a higher ISS. The overall mortality is 15.7%. Given the increasing use of stairlifts in our ageing population, strategies should be considered to make these safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the extent to which a national policy on paid educational leave might help to overcome problems in manpower, labor, and education, using examples from four countries and comparing their positions regarding the formulation of coordinated policies and coordination with manpower, training, labor, and education policies. (Author/CT)

Background: Tibial fractures have an incidence of 15% of all adult fractures. They have been shown to have the highest incidence of non-union in long bone fractures and the highest incidence of vascular injury. Evidence from the literature suggests that a good vascular supply is important to ensure bone union. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the incidence of vascular injuries in open tibial fractures and determine whether they were associated with an increased risk of non-union. Methods: We performed a prospective study to investigate the incidence of arterial injuries with computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with Gustilo–Anderson grade I–III open tibial fractures between 2013 and 2015. CTA was performed with the trauma series at acute admission and reported by two independent musculoskeletal radiologists. Patients were followed up with clinical and radiographic assessment for 1 year. Results: We recruited 77 patients into the study, and 56 patients (47 males, 9 females) were available for the final analysis, between 16 and 90 years of age. At the initial assessment, 29% had signs of arterial injury with active extravasation in 5%. The most common site of injury was in the diaphysis (87.5%), and the commonest mechanism was a road traffic accident. We found no significant relation between occult vascular injury and non-union (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of vascular injury in open tibial fractures is 29%, and CTA is therefore a useful test in identifying vascular injuries that may require vascular intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The impact of specialist weight management services (Tier 3) for children with severe and complex obesity in the UK is unclear. This review aims to examine the impact of child Tier 3 services in the UK, exploring service characteristics and implications for practice. Methods Rapid systematic review of any study examining specialist weight management interventions in any UK setting including children (2–18 years) with a body mass index >99.6th centile or >98th centile with comorbidity. Results Twelve studies (five RCTs and seven uncontrolled) were included in a variety of settings. Study quality was moderate or low and mean baseline body mass index z -score ranged from 2.7 to 3.6 units. Study samples were small and children were predominantly older (10–14 years), female and white. Multidisciplinary team composition and eligibility criteria varied; dropout ranged from 5 to 43%. Improvements in zBMI over 1–24 months ranged from −0.13 to −0.41 units. Conclusions Specialist weight management interventions for children with severe obesity demonstrated a reduction in zBMI, across a variety of UK settings. Studies were heterogeneous in content and thus conclusions on service design cannot be drawn. There is a paucity of evidence for Tier 3 services for children, and further research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship marketing paradigm is gaming increasing credence in consumer markets. Marketers need to get close to their customers to establish exchange relationships, and this "intimacy" is achieved using database technology and direct marketing communications. However, in implementing relationship marketing in this way, the potential exists for the use of technology to result in invasions of individual consumer privacy. The literature on relationship marketing and privacy are reviewed, and the findings of six exploratory focus group discussions, conducted in the UK, are presented. The study suggests that what some consumers define as "intrusion" is similar to what has been called "intimacy" by marketers. Nine propositions are presented which reflect the implications of current approaches to relationship marketing in consumer markets. In particular, the integral elements of meaningful relationships are absent or inhibited as a result of consumer concerns over intrusions of their privacy. Thus, marketers need to adapt their attitudes, behaviours, and processes in order to accommodate the participation of the consumer in the relationship. The implications for marketers are identified, and directions are offered for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environments need to be designed such that they support successful orientation for older adults and those with dementia who often experience marked difficulties in their orientation abilities. To better understand how environments can compensate for decreasing orientation skills, voice should be given directly to those experiencing dementia to describe how they find their way and to understand their design preferences. This study explored the navigational experiences and design preferences of older adults with memory difficulties living in a retirement development. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 older adults experiencing memory difficulties were conducted. All participants were residents of one retirement development in the United Kingdom. Questions began broadly, for example, to describe their experiences of navigating in their living environment, before discussing any specific navigation difficulties in detail. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: highlighting environmental design that causes disorientation, strategies to overcome disorientation, and residents’ suggestions to improve the design. The design suggestions were particularly informative, heavily focusing on the importance of having memorable and meaningful spaces which were favoured more than signage as an orientation aid. The findings demonstrate the need to consider environmental design to support orientation for those with memory difficulties. Of particular importance is the use of meaningful and relevant landmarks as orientation aids which can additionally stimulate conversation and increase wellbeing. Given the range of suggestions in dementia-friendly design guidelines aimed to support orientation, it is crucial to speak directly to those living in different environments to learn how they find their way around and what design works in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers whether there was a national press before and during the Second World War. After considering the terms used by historians to describe the UK national press, and how it is defined, it looks at aspects of the industry that made it appear national and those which did not. The question of just how national the press was between 1939 and 1945 is then addressed, followed by some concluding comments. It argues that the wartime press was characterised by a high degree of uniformity in terms of organisation, co-operation and content, throwing into relief the more diffuse nature of the industry before and after. The idea of the national press downplays the extent to which newspapers varied considerably in readership, geographical reach, political and social significance. It obscures the important role of the provincial press, abstracting mass circulation London daily morning papers, from their place within an evolving network of mass communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Lord Salisbury passed the above remark in November 1961 it was at a moment of intense frustration for the British Foreign Office during the Congo crisis as the UN accelerated their efforts to restore territorial integrity to the Central African state by ending the secession of Katanga. The British viewed UN actions as a threat to their political and economic interests in the Congo and in Central Africa but crucially, also found that they were at loggerheads with the United States. This article examines Anglo-American relations at two key junctures in March and December 1961 when Britain successfully appealed to the United States to intervene in order to stall UN actions in the Congo. The cooperation between President John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister Harold Macmillan to constrain UN Congo policy reflects the centrality of the organisation in Anglo-American relations at the time and also highlights an understudied aspect of the relationship between the London and Washington. It will be shown that the crisis put a strain on the Anglo-American relations, leading to efforts by the British to play on the Cold War fears of the Americans by urging them to limit the actions of the UN. It is argued that the changing nature of the organisation helped to foster tensions in the Anglo-American relationship, exposing inherent differences of opinion about how American Cold War objectives should be balanced against the British agenda for decolonisation. The two incidents highlighted here reflect how the crisis became a challenge for Anglo-American relations and ultimately reveal the waning influence of the United States and the UK within the UN at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a realistic model for energy and carbon management of an advanced municipal wastewater treatment works. Through minimisation of total cost of operations, it provides operators with a visual daily operational schedule based on varying tariffs. This site is the first in the UK with a mixed operational strategy for biomethane produced on site: to burn in CHP (Combined Heat and Power) engines to create electricity, burn in Steam Boilers for onsite steam use or inject the biomethane into the gas distribution network - Natural Gas can be imported to make up shortfalls in biomethane if required. Implemented using a novel mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach, results indicate that biomethane injection should be maximised for the highest financial gain - the driving force for optimising the remaining operations being the site electricity imports and whether the electricity imported 'generates' carbon emissions. Based on the source of electricity and the new carbon emissions performance criteria, under the current operational strategy importing electricity from carbon-based sources has no tangible impact on site revenues (but does impact CO 2 emissions), however carbon free (renewable) electricity sources could see shift in operations leading a revenue increase of 12% [Display omitted] • Optimisation of biogas and energy distribution and carbon emissions monitoring using MILP. • Changes to current operations are needed to meet emissions pledges. • Changes to operational strategy could also see revenues increase by up to 12%. • Biomethane Injection primary driver of revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literary criticism is presented of the 1924 English fictional book "Parade's End," by Ford Madox Ford. Particular focus is given to the book's depiction of social class, including class conflict and class struggles during World War I. An overview of the portrayal of British coal miners' strikes within the novel is provided.

This article describes strategies used by the author to introduce a flipped teaching approach into a traditional course taught at a UK higher education institution. Traditional live lectures are replaced by video screencasts to be viewed outside the classroom by the students. Lecturer--student contact time is used for interactive workshop activities aimed at facilitating deeper conceptual understanding of the subject material. Changing to a flipped student-centric approach from the more traditional lecturer-centric approach can be challenging for both student and lecturer alike. This article describes such an attempt in modules for 2nd and 4th Year chemistry undergraduates. Student surveys show that the vast majority of students are quite positive about the flipped approach and prefer it to the traditional delivery. Based on the receptive nature of the student response and the greater opportunity for developing higher learning skills afforded by this approach, we believe it should be more widely adopted in the teaching of the physical sciences in UK higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to estimate the proportion of Regular veterans in England and Wales who are in prison or supervised by a Probation Trust. A cross-sectional data linkage approach was taken, matching a database of Service leavers with prison and probation data. The proportion of those in the criminal justice system who are veterans was estimated to be 3.4%. For men aged 18-54 years, the proportion of the general population in prison was 43% (95% CI: 37%-49%) higher than the proportion of veterans in prison. There is no evidence that veterans are over-represented in the criminal justice system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues for the importance of work in print and newspaper history written before the 1960s. That decade is seen as marking a break in the way the topic was approached with work prior to the 1960s being criticised for narrowness and theoretical weaknesses. The article points to the sophistication of research and writing prior to 1960, in popular and more scholarly focused work. It argues that the historiography of this topic should be understood in terms of longer processes of development and institutional constraints which correlate with similar developments in other areas of historical research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The cultural construction of Roman Catholicism in England shifted in the middle decades of the nineteenth century from being constituted as a series of acts to being understood as a subjectivity experienced as authentic interiority. Even as various British Victorian figures, for example John Henry Newman, engaged in particular ways with both nonmajoritarian religious and sexual identities, Catholicism thus prefigures the admittedly uneven consolidations of sexuality that Michel Foucault has identified in the last third of the century. Thus an understanding of religious history is central to a history of sexuality.

The rise of the radical or extreme right parties in Europe - parties usually noted for strong, sometimes racist anti-immigrant ideologies - has attracted a great deal of attention in political science. Ireland, despite having some conditions favourable to the growth of such a party has no radical right party. This paper argues that that this is because the 'space' usually occupied by such parties - for young, poor people disaffected by economic change - is taken up by Sinn Fein, which though it has similarities to radical right parties, differs markedly in its attitudes to immigrants. It goes on to explain the special circumstances that prevent nationalist parties in Ireland from presenting overtly anti-immigrant platforms. The focus on anti-immigration and liberal economic policies for such parties may mean that other parties with strong resemblances are excluded from studies they might usefully be included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study which demonstrates how SCORM, an e-learning approach, has aided both the development and delivery of the National Infection Control and Training Program for National Health Service (NHS) employees and ensures that Infection Control Training is available to audience in Great Britain. Challenges faced by the program are presented. Advantages of the e-learning format as opposed to the instructor-led formats are discussed.

This paper reports the findings of a scoping study designed to describe the evidence base with regard to housing provision for elderly people with dementia with the aim of identifying gaps in existing knowledge. This report from the scoping study findings covers studies of housing and accommodation in relation to dementia that have been published in the UK since the early 1980s, although we draw on limited aspects of overseas research to illuminate issues missing from the UK research agenda. The results reveal a significant number of research gaps in the UK context, most notably in relation to end-of-life care for people with dementia and the effectiveness of integrated and segregated facilities. UK policy regarding the development of extra-care housing also neglects the long-term future of people with dementia. A more robust evidence base will be required, combining a variety of methodological approaches, if UK dementia research is to contribute to future housing policy developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the findings of a scoping study that aimed to explore evidence relating to models of good practice with regard to accommodation and related services for people with mental health problems in the UK. The literature reveals that there has tended to be an assumption that patients will progress from high(er) to low(er) levels of supported accommodation over time, thereby marginalising the needs of a core group of people with particularly challenging behaviour who require long-term, permanent accommodation with high levels of support. The paper concludes by examining the implications of the scoping study for current UK policies towards those with mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on theories of new institutionalism to examine the consequences of partnership working for the community sector. Three normative practices which are associated with partnership working—representativeness; consensus-based decisionmaking; and bureaucratic styles of working—are examined in relation to the experiences of two UK case-study localities in receipt of Single Regeneration Budget funding. The findings reflect a complex interaction between acceptance and noncompliance with these norms by community organisations which leads to a variety of outcomes for individual community representatives and for relations between community groups and regeneration partnership boards. In conclusion, it is argued that protecting the independence of local organisations can allow for opposition to partnership-based decisions but that this risks undermining holistic or strategic approaches to social problems. The actions of some community organisations in these two localities suggests that, although some aspects of partnership working are increasingly institutionalised within community sectors, organisations remain alert to opportunities to subvert these norms to further their own aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores how childhood and the traditional society of Great Britain are imagined as states of innocence in " The Borrowers" book series of Mary Norton. Commentary of Norton's books on the state of modern industrial society; Notion of otherness of the lower classes in the books; Way by which Norton portrayed the parallels between paternalistic family hierarchy and the fixed class structure.

Discusses the aspects of the development of the study of media history in Great Britain from 1945-2000. Relationship between social sciences and history; Sociological work on media policy; Changing foci of history; Growth of press freedom.

Abstract Recognises that whilst an abundance of research has been conducted into solicitors' marketing, other players in the legal industry have been ignored or overlooked. Suggests that what is clearly lacking is a holistic analysis of legal-market dynamics. Attempts to provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the relationships within the legal industry. Investigates the role of relationships in facilitating exchange, elucidates how these relationships are developed, and identifies key relationship characteristics. Overviews the legal industry and discusses the rationale for utilising a relational perspective. Presents and analyses evidence generated from interviews with barristers, solicitors, barristers' clerks and clients. Culminates with a discussion of findings, implications and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the importance of sphygmomanometry in the assessment of blood pressure in Great Britain. Insufficiency of blood pressure measurement training among nurses and medical students; Inconsistencies in blood pressure interpretation among observers; Factors leading to a bias reading.

The article discusses the ways of how the British government can use civil law to regulate the press. It recounts that in the mid-nineteenth century, the government was prepared to pursue the ideology of the press. It also points out the need to explore the ideological distinction between the criminal and civil law to understand the nature of contemporary regulation of the press.

The article describes the process of capital accumulation in the newspaper industry in Great Britain from 1800 to 1850. A brief history on the developments in the freedom of the press is offered. The assertions of media historian James Curran about the capital requirements for operating newspapers are highlighted.

Looks at the competitive nature of the retail market in the United Kingdom, and the increasing importance of information as a resource. Need for information not restricted; How the need for information could be met; Possible development of a database and geographic information system.

Over recent years the British Government has pursued a policy encouraging the integration of primary and secondary health care. This drive to promote the efficient delivery of primary care at local centres has seen the forging of co-operative alliances between various healthcare practitioners. A notable development has been the growth of optometric practice-based schemes for monitoring the eyecare of diabetic patients. This paper reports on the first twelve months operation (April 1995-March 1996, inclusive) of such a 'collaborative care' scheme operating in the Kettering Health Area of Northamptonshire. With the co-operation of their general medical practitioner (GMP) and under the case-review of the hospital-based specialist, diabetic patients attended participating optometric practices for an annual sight test and eye examination including mandatory fundus assessment under mydriasis. A brief 'ticked menu' report was subsequently forwarded to the patient's GMP for filing or action as necessary. A copy was also sent to the hospital clinic to enable updating of the diabetic patient database and for the authorisation of the supplementary fee payable to the examining optometrist. An audit of the first year of operation has indicated that those 92% of optometrists in the locality who participated in the programme logged 34% of the projected diabetic population of the Kettering Health Area. Of these individuals, 10.8% were identified as requiring referral for ophthalmological assessment including 0.7% who needed urgent intervention. Approximately 80% of the referrals were assessed in the Ophthalmology Clinic within the twelve month timeframe of this first year audit: one-third of these patients received treatment and/or a second review over this period, the net outcome being that one-half of the original referrals were returned to the programmer for continued routine annual screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on several issues related to medicine in Great Britain. Survey on deaths caused by asthma; Use of beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs for older patients; Administration of multimodal treatment in operable breast cancer.

Examines the accuracy of indirect sphygmomanometry in the diagnosis and prognosis of hypertension in Great Britain. Insufficient aspects of time honored methods of measurement; Principle behind the standard method of blood pressure measurement; Implication of different blood pressure levels for accurate pressure measurements.

The article focuses on the factors contributing to the delay in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Topics discussed include the idiopathic chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the tendency for clinicians to diagnose patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Delayed diagnosis due to reduced response to medical therapy and higher incidence of surgical intervention and the recommendation for measuring fecal calprotectin are then mentioned.